Transportation Laws by State
Car Seat Laws by State 2025
Rear-Facing Seat Min Age (mos)
12
24
State | Rear-Facing Seat Min Age (mos)↓ | Rear-Facing Max Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | California | 24 | 40 |
 | Connecticut | 24 | 30 |
 | Idaho | 24 | 40 |
 | Illinois | 24 | 40 |
 | Louisiana | 24 | by seat |
 | Maine | 24 | by seat |
 | Michigan | 24 | by seat |
 | Mississippi | 24 | by seat |
 | Montana | 24 | by seat |
 | Nebraska | 24 | by seat |
 | New Hampshire | 24 | by seat |
 | New Jersey | 24 | 30 |
 | North Dakota | 24 | by seat |
 | Ohio | 24 | by seat |
 | Oklahoma | 24 | |
 | Oregon | 24 | |
 | Pennsylvania | 24 | by seat |
 | Rhode Island | 24 | 30 |
 | South Carolina | 24 | by seat |
 | South Dakota | 24 | by seat |
 | Utah | 24 | by seat |
 | Virginia | 24 | by seat |
 | Washington | 24 | by seat |
 | Alabama | 12 | 20 |
 | Alaska | 12 | 20 |
 | Arizona | 12 | 20 |
 | Arkansas | 12 | 20 |
 | Colorado | 12 | 20 |
 | Delaware | 12 | 20 |
 | Georgia | 12 | 20 |
 | Hawaii | 12 | 20 |
 | Indiana | 12 | 20 |
 | Iowa | 12 | 20 |
 | Kansas | 12 | 20 |
 | Kentucky | 12 | 20 |
 | Maryland | 12 | 20 |
 | Massachusetts | 12 | by seat |
 | Minnesota | 12 | 20 |
 | Missouri | 12 | 20 |
 | Nevada | 12 | 20 |
 | New Mexico | 12 | 20 |
 | New York | 12 | 20 |
 | North Carolina | 12 | by seat |
 | Tennessee | 12 | 20 |
 | Texas | 12 | by seat |
 | Vermont | 12 | 20 |
 | Wisconsin | 12 | 20 |
 | Wyoming | 12 | 20 |
 | Florida | by seat | |
 | West Virginia | by seat |
Understanding car seat laws is essential for ensuring the safety of children while traveling on the road. Each state in the United States has its own set of regulations regarding the use of car seats, encompassing age, weight, and height requirements. For instance, while some states mandate the use of booster seats for children up to a certain age or weight, others emphasize specific height criteria for transitioning to booster seats.
The diversity in car seat laws across states is evident when comparing different regions. States like California and New York have relatively stringent laws, requiring children to remain in booster seats until they reach 8 years of age or a certain height and weight threshold. On the other hand, states such as Alabama and Alaska have more flexible regulations, with age ranges varying for specific car seat types.
